System for measuring frequency deviations



Nov. 29, 1949 R. KoEcl-ILIN SYSTEM FOR MEASURING FREQUENCY DEVIATIONS Filed June 22, 194:5`

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Nov. 29, 1949 R. KOECHLIN 2,489,296

SYSTEM FOR MEASURING FREQUENCY DEVIATIONS Filed June 22, 1943 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Nov. 29, 1.949

SYSTEM FOR MEASURING FREQUENCY DEVIATIONS Renaud Koechlin, Boulogne-Billancourt, France, assignor to International Standard Electric Corporation, New York,

Delaware N. Y., a corporation of Application June 22, 1943, Serial No. 491,803

' In France February 5, 1942 Section 1, Public Law 690, August 8, 1946 Patent expires February 5, 19.62

Claims. (Cl. Z50-39) and modifications of the apparatus described in the U. S. patent application led on June 22, 1943, Serial No. 491,802, Patent Number 2,423,103, by the applicant under the title, System for measuring frequency deviations.

According to one of its forms, the present invention has for one object to provide modifications in the frequency drift and phase indicator apparatus described in the above-identified patent application.

According to another of its forms, this invention has for a further object to provide applications of certain circuits described in the aboveidentified patent application, to frequency multiplier circuits at reduced dephasage.

According to still another form, an additional object of this invention is to provide applications of frequency divider and multiplier circuits with synchronized frequency changers, as described in the above-identified patent application, to radio receivers of high selectivity.

Certain embodiments of this invention are shown in detail in the following description and in the attached drawings, in which:

Fig. l shows schematically an example of a modification of the frequency drift and phase indicator apparatus shown in the above-identified patent application, for obtaining a direct reading of the drift or phase;

Fig. 2 shows schematically an example of the application of circuits with a changer of synchronized frequency, to frequency multiplier assemblies at reduced dephasage;

Fig. 3 represents schematically an example of the application of one frequency divider circuit of the above-identified patent application to a radio receiver of high selectivity; and

Fig. 4 shows schematically an example of a modification that might be made in the frequency drift and phase indicator apparatus shown in Fig. 1 for supplying automatic adjustments in obtaining a direct reading of the drift or phase.

According to certain of its embodiments, the present invention comprises variants of the frequency drift and phase indicator devices described in the above-identified patent application, principally with respect to the complete assemblies for comparing frequency and phase drift. The invention of this former application provides means for showing a relative drift of two frequencies brought back to the same comparison frequency by dividing and/or multiply- 2 iriig, by means of beating with auxiliary frequenc es.

In the case where the comparison frequency happens to be the same as the frequencies to be compared, the multiplication of the drift may be made, according to one embodiment of the invention of this application, by multiplying one of the frequencies to be compared, for example, the reference frequency, by the factor kFI and the other frequency, or frequency to be observed, by the factor 1c. These multiplied frequencies are then made to beat together in order to obtain a beat oscillation at the comparison frequencythus permitting one to re-establish the original frequency of the oscillations to be compared. The difference frequency obtained keeps the multiplication of the drift by the factor k, by which one has acted upon the frequency to be observed.

The division of the drift in this same case may be effected, according to another embodiment of the invention of this application, by multiplying for example the reference frequency by a factor kFl and by then making it beat with the variable frequency. One thus obtains a beat frequency lc times higher, keeping constant the drift of the frequency to be studied with respect to the reference frequency. Then one divides this beat frequency by the factor lc. The resulting frequency recovers the original value of the oscillations to be compared, but possesses a drift equal to the original drift divided by k.

In a case where the frequencies to be com pared, entering into the apparatus, may have a relationship 1c With the frequencies leaving the apparatus, to feed the comparator or the apparatus used, the division of the drift may be made, according to one use of the invention, by changing the frequency by an auxiliary synchronized oscillator permitting one to perceive the action. Each of the two frequencies to be compared is divided by a factor lc by means of a change in frequency in which one of the frequencies may be the incident frequency and the other a fre- `quency obtained from an auxiliary oscillator 3 quency in order to bring back the multiplied frequency to the comparison frequency with a multiplied drift.y Y

Accordingv to yanothergofA its uses, the kinvention* of this application provides in such circuits for the use of a first change in frequency simultaneously upon two paths in order to bring back the frequency of an oscillation toibe observed to a fixed value, such as that at the input of the drift multiplying or dividing apparatus. The refer-- ence path which is now obtained vfromfan oscillation of the same frequencyias; theoscillation to be observed, or in harmonic relation with it, is subjected, as well as the path .,of the oscillation to be observed, to a rst change in frequency by means of suitably iixed auxiliary oscillation common to the two paths.

Such a change in frequency simultaneously, upon two paths, has the known property of keeping constant the phase relations between the two f incident frequencies in spite of the variations of frequency ofA the adjusting oscillator. Nevertheless, the value of the average frequency resulting-from the changes infrequency varies with the frequency -of the adjusting oscillator. In certain cases, when-the measuring circuits are complex and sensitive to thevariations of frequencies, the variation of the average frequency may give rise to-errors in measurement, especially for phase anglesof Veryl small magnitude.

In orderlto; avoid this inconvenience, the invention of'thisapplication'provides, according to another variation; a' methodrpermitting one to bring back the drift-or phase angle to a frequency. which-is exactly-that for which all the circuits have been adjusted. This'process consists in obtaining the average frequency fof the apparatus onwhich one superposesth'e drift to beV shown, by making the input'frequency F-l-AF beat with afrequency F-l-f, itself obtained'by. making the reference frequencyY Fbeat kinA an auxiliary mixer withv a frequency f, produced`by a generator of fixed frequency.

A variation of this method, especiallyV suitable for measuringphases,consists, accordingl to another formY of, the invention, in obtaining the frequencyF-l-J as indicatedabove, and in obtaining the two average frequencies f on the` one hand'andjfl-Af on theA other hand, by supplying armix/er upon* each of' the paths with the frequency F-i-f and the respective frequencies F and F-l-AF. This procedure presents the advantage of assuring a better symmetry: between the two paths, especially relative. to the dephasing introduced'by a bandpass filter serving to isolate the frequency'F-l-f. l

If the-band of `frequencies does not agree with the desired purposeV one may, according to another` use ofthe invention of this application,

arrange the apparatuswhichhas just been Cle-l scribed forga change in frequency in two `known steps. In this manner the regulation of the frequency of the two-step changer-oscillator will not be` critical. Especially athighfrequencies, the stabilityof'this oscillator will no longer play an important part,

In the apparatus of theabove-identied patent application; the measurement of thefrequency and phase differences between two alternating, currentwaves 4required the time; measurement of the number ofturns in-agiventme of the luminous index onthecircle ofl Sweep of the cathode yray indicator,- or; what is: the same thing, the measurementI of the time-necessary lfor a certain number ofrevolutions of the yspot-,along the cir:-

4 cular sweep path. This procedure required therefore an auxiliary known quantity, namely, the duration of the.measurement,l which involved certain inconveniences in making observations.

In particular, when thelvalue of the observed frequency drift varies relatively rapidly with respect to the duration of the period of the oscillationtheobservation will only show the average drift. Or, especially for the study of oscillators ofA very; high stability; it is sometimes desirable todraw the curveof the frequency drift, which may be atcurve-oft1 rapid phase deviation. The devices whichA are: herein described permit the making of veryA rapid measurements of the frequency driftor ofthe phase variation of an oscillation, with a direct reading of this drift or variation.

According to one embodiment of this invention, circuits are provided for the wave` to be analyzed and for a reference wave, with means forintroducing a frequency, drift of known value,

marked. on a dial' graduateddirectly` in drifts.I This additional'driftiin such a way as to annul the drift is variedgwhich.ischaracteristic of the wave to be observed.'

According to another form of' this invention;y the observation. of the Zero beat between the' drifts is made on an` indicator withk a low time constant, for` example on a cathodelrayv indicator, K

meansbeing providedfor. permittingpne to 0btain the reading either of the simple drift or of a multiplied or divided drift.` It therefore will be apparent. that this indicator need not be. standardizedjsince. the measurement is effected'V bya Zero or null method.'

Fig. l showsschematically an example of. such an apparatus. In'this-'gure, thel elements corresponding to those ofiFig. 13. ofthe 'above-identified patentgapplicationhave been designated by the same reference numbers.

The reference frequency ffenter's intothe mixer H5, by wire-2'; the mixer; alsobeing supplied by .also beingsuppliedLbyfthefrequency leaving the filter I l1. The beat frequency leavingfthe mixer" 9B will therefore be 100 kci/szinf, Af being the incremental frequency drift or'variation from its standard-orreference Afrequency,"'.

The two frequenciesto'be'compared are therefore the frequency;ofilOO'kd/s. generated by thev stabilized;oscillatorv l land the frequency of 100.` kc./s.iAf leaving the mixer v98;'. The' comparator' apparatus, whichf-mayx bje .of any convenient type; as well known in the"art,'.such as of the Velectromechanical'or electronicltype, is schematically shown at l30`and`functions asa zero or null indicator, ata frequency'frofv l0 'kc./s. for example.

In i' the reference'v frequencyY circuit, the stable frequency of 100 kc./s.,vcoming from the oscillator l|5,-`-is--divide'd by a-4 frequency'idivider'circuit 31 ofanyfappropriate type. In the measurement path, the-frequencyof 100 kc./siAf is ledtoaA frequency-mixer |32; permitting -one to bring backthe oscillation tothe exact frequency of-J' 10i kcj/s. by mixing.: itzwith` afrequency ofy QOlrcJ/sf-Af coming from asecond oscillator, |33,` also ofihigha-stability.; Withthis oscillatorl I 33 there.:- isf; associated? a; Vernier; tuning.: dial, |34;

1 graduated in cycles and fractions; of cycles .per

second, permitting the operator to read directly the drift introduced.

With this standardized oscillator |33 there are also associated two circuits, one, |35, for dividing the drift Af by 10, and the other, |36, for multiplying the drift by 10, on the other hand. Such drift divider or multiplier circuits have been described in detail in the patent application,

supra.

In one drift multiplier circuit, two frequencies j and f-l-Af are each doubled, giving 2f and 2f|2Af. The latter frequency is multiplied by 5 and the former frequency is multiplied by 4, yielding j-HOM, and 8f, respectively, which last frequencies are mixed, yielding 2f-l-10Af.

In one drift divider circuit, two frequencies f and I+Af are to be observed. Frequency f is multiplied by 9, giving 9j, which is mixed with f+Af. This yields a beat of 10M-Af. By dividing this latter, using means well known in the art, a resultant of Af f +10' appear, as for example, on the screen of a cath- The dial |34, however, will perode ray tube. mit one to read directly the value of the drift, with a single standardized graduation multiplied by the coefficients 1/10, 1 or 10, as the particular case may determine.

For the measurement of very slight drifts, it l is obviously possible to take advantage of the division of the standardized relative drift, between the two oscillators lli and |33, to increase the apparent stability of the standardized beats in absolute value.

There are also provided, according to another embodiment of the invention, means for obtaining, in such apparatus, the direct reading of the drift in an automatic manner, by associating with the comparator apparatus |30 an automatic correcting device of appropriate type to correct the frequency of the oscillator |33. Devices of this kind are well known in the art. In this way the drift of the incident frequency -l-Af may act to cause the readjustment of the frequency of the local oscillator |33, as for example, through the automatic rotation of the condenser, standardized as to drift, thereby likewise changing the reading of the index of the dial |34, without the f intervention of the operator.

YA typical circuit for showing a readjustment of the frequency of the local oscillator |33 is shown in Fig. 4. From comparator |30 is taken a beat frequency which results from the com parison of the outputs of divider |3| and changer |32. This beat frequency is applied to the input circuit of a motor |50, The mechanical rotation of the motor is passed through a mechanical lter and gearing |5| and coupled to the condenser of the oscillator |33. The rotation of the plates of the condenser varies the capacitance thereof and hence the frequency of the output. Thus the oscillator frequency is automatically adjusted until. there are no variations in the frequency passed from `mixer |32 to comparator |130, or in other words, until there is no drift frequency in the comparator.

It is advantageous to consider a multiplication of the drift before application to the corrective apparatus in order to disclose slight phase variations and so as to allow their immediate correction.

As one example of a corrective apparatus, one may mention an electro-mechanical differentialcontrolling the condenser of the corrector by means of the requisite gears, or a phase bridge' controlling a `miniature control servo-motor. This latter method will permit an easy graphic recording ofthe curve of the drift.

The various forms of apparatus which have just been described may obviously be applied to other measuring and indication devices 'described in the above-identidad patent application.

This invention also provides, according to certain embodiments thereof, for the application of frequency divider circuits, with a synchronized frequency changer, to frequency multiplier circuits, with the object of reducing the instability of the phase of the multiplied frequency. For this purpose, as shown in Fig. 2, the frequency to be multiplied, for example by n-1, is introduced by wire 4 into the input of a mixer |40; the frequency 'nf is introduced by wire 5 into the input of the mixer, this latter frequency being obtained by multiplication of the frequency f in a multiplier circuit |4|, fed by wire 6. Finally the frequency (1L-1) f, obtained from mixer |40 by diiference, is applied in parallel with the output (1i-1U of the multiplier 42, multiplier |42 is fed by wire There is thus produced a reinforcing action, reducing the instability of the phase, between the two multipliers.

According to another of its embodiments, the present invention presents certain applications of frequency divider circuits to synchronized change in frequency, such as described in theabove-identied patent application, for example, in relation to Fig. 6 of said patent application, in the form of apparatus which uses the simultaneous division of the drift and of the frequency.

Briefly summed up, the process for division of the frequency disclosed in the above-identified patent application consists in introducing thestarting frequency, which is to be divided so as to obtain a frequency f=F/n into a frequency changer apparatus, theosclllator of which is acljusted to a frequency fmil) and of synchronizing this oscillator on the harmonic nil of the frequency f resulting from the beat produced.

In such an apparatus, contrary to what happens in conventional frequency changers, when the initial frequency F deviates a given number of cycles D, the divided frequency deviates D/n cycles only and not D. i In effect, the oscillator of the synchronized frequency changer circuit has its frequency `intimately tied up with the initial frequency F and its drift is (nil) D n It is not, however, the same for a neighboring parasitic oscillation of F, only a few kilocycles per second away. For such an oscillation the frequency changer circuit behaves like an ordinary frequency changer stage, that is to say, it retains for the parasitic oscillation intermediate frequency the deviation which the parasitic oscillation shows with respect to the received z wave., it; therefore becomes easiee--to .eliminate the parasitic. Oscillation intermediate frequency by the amplifier `oroutput circuit, .whichzis `a continuation of the frequency changer stage. Thisamplifier may theny be arranged for a band widthistrietly necessary for thetransmissicn-of the frequency Fpius .an excess equal-toD/n, D being-theA estimated possible drift of -the fre-r quency F to be received at the input to-fthe'frequency changer app,aratns,v and does not require an excess equal to Delf-0l.Y .ri-.being the drift be'-` longing to ,thel -non,synchronized oscillator, vin. .a usualyreceiver.

'Ilheipropertiesusta-ted above, of such a fre.- quency dividerv circuit are. used, ,accordingk to certain embodimentsiof this invention, in radioreceivers, telegraphic or otherwise, having a1 high degree of selectivity. 'Figi Srshows schematically an example of one form `offsuch `a receiver.

In this gure, thefrequency kdivider ,circuit ofV Fig. 6comprising elements y,6,0, ;6-l, 6,2,;zl53,v and .64, of the above-identified patent application is shown incorporated in the secondstage frequency changer, the samey reference numbers asin the above-identified patent application being given tojthe 'elements of Y this circuit, l which .comprises a frequency changer stage 6o, followedby an amplifier 62 of vthe second intermediate vfrequency, from which an oscillation, 4multiplied in the. stages 63y and 6 4, is derived for synchronizing `the oscillator 61. This synchronized fre,- quency changer isfpreceded -by a Vhigh'frequency stage vi5() iti-which a :first change in frequency takes` place, vby the-.action Iof the local oscillator |5-lthe oscillation .of thenrst intermediate .frequency being transmitted toxthesecond frequency changer stage through-,an amplifier 152. nStages of .detection and low :frequency are indicated .at |53, after the second `frequency changer.

Such areceivercircutgayoidgon the one hand,

the inconveniences Vdue ,tothe idriftfof the second oscillatorfand, on the other hand, reduces, inthe ratio -1/n,the drift due-to: the first intermediate frequency, which is added to the drift .of thevsecond oscillator inthe apparatus with the increases the instability, of the reception as a. result of thenarrowapasseband of the stagel'ifollowing the second 'frequencychangeix In such al receiver -as that shown inrFig.' 3, .onv the contrary, the Vdrift of the first intermediate frequency being reduced'. without addition of `a sup plemcnta-ry1 drift, :theladded Adrifts v of the received wave andof the :first*average-frequencyare.re-

duced at the input to the second intermediate frequency ,amplier which mayas. a result, be

provi-ded with fa ,greater` degree-.of y selectivity.

An automatic frequency correcting dev-ice, .of any wellv known vtype, :may 'if desiredl be --provided` to stabilize the rst intermediate frequency, to furtherrrecluce the drift D.

iIhe' stability of 'the apparatus .ofslig.1.3,v with respect to frequencies;lying-nearby, may. befbetter realized by giving-,a numerical-example. Assuming a parasitic wayesituated within 2 kc./s. of the wave to be received-athis deviation will still be 2 kc./s. in the amplifier 52, but the stabilizing wave obtainedbymultiplication-by 9of this V:second intermediate frequency involves an increase of 18 kc./s. of the-deviation-betvveenfthe harmonic of the parasiticwave andthe; frequency ofthe oscillator 6i. The dangerofinterference is, therefore limited and. there-,ispo lriskipf producing 44itexcept under exceptional; fading yconditiensl for e dstantresition-ofthe; frequency .bee ,4c usual double change yin frequency, which latter longing totheoscillator 6I. rOnmthe other hand, the frequency multiplier circuits 63 and '64, requiring onlyla pass-band proportionalto that of the rst intermediate frequency, `multiplied by the `degree of the harmonic, will only letpass parasitic frequencies Whose deviation withfre- `spect to the rfundamental frequency .will be eight orten times less than the band widthfof the first intermediate frequency.

:In-.certain 'casesyit .may be advantageous n.to couple --the detector and lowfrequency stages,not at the-output -of theamplifier- 62, but at the'output of the frequency Amultiplier stages (i3- 64, asindicated at |511,v in Fig. 3. This varrangement permits anincrease `in apparent selectivity of telegraphic receivers.

Although the invention has been described in the case of certain particular examples andy em' bodiments, itv should be understood thatitris not limited thereby, but on the contrary is susceptible of numerous modifications and adapta-tions Without departing from the scope thereof.

What is claimed is:

l. Frequency drift comparator including a.

source of given frequency characterized by drift inv frequency, and a source o f standard reference frequencyhaving a value equal to the mean value of said given frequency,A a rst mixer fed by Isaid reference frequency, a first oscillator generatingI a frequency removed from said reference frequency by `a predetermined amount and also ,feeding said first mixer v,sc as to produce two beat frequencies, filter lmeans connected to theoutput of said rst mixer ,and suppressing one of said' beat frequencies, asecond mixer Vfeed by said given frequency and ,by the output of saidrlter, a frequency divider fed fromsaid ljst oscillator, a frequency changer fed from said second mixer Aand having an output frequency substantially equal tothat vof said, frequency divider, and a null indicator fedby ,thev output of said frequency vdivider ,and :Saidv frequency changer, an adjustable .second4 oscillator of relatively Ahigh stabilityY having Yfrequency ,indicating means associated therewithand means connecting the output of said ,second .oscillator to said frequency changer, said second oscillator lbeing adjusted tov a frequency which vwill beat, in said frequency changer, `with the y.current enteringv therein from said second mixer andwill-produce afrequency yielding a null indication upon said null indicator, the value of said frequency drift being shown upon. theindicating Vmeans of said adjustable second oscillator. A l,2. Device according .to claim 1 and also includingasecond frequency divider connectedbetweensaid adjustable oscillatorand said f-re-V quency vchanger and. acting to divideqsaid lfrequencydrifhwhereby said indicating means will -serve to readrfrequencydrifts of yrelatively great amount.

3. Device according-to `claim f1 ,andv also. including-a frequency multiplier connected between said adjustable oscillator and `said frequency chaneernd @time ,figmultfply .Said frequency dri-ftmwheieby-saidindicating means will serveY to read frequency drifts of relatively small amount.

f4. Device according to claim land also including means -for automatically adjusting said adj,ustalvleu second oscillator until null .indication is. obtained.

5. The method of-.measuring the unknown` frequency of;analternatingcurrent wave characterized 4by drift/f. comprising .generatingy a, `stable Wave of known frequency and of value equal to the mean value of said unknown frequency, generating a second wave of frequency removed from said stable frequency by a frequency of a predetermined and stable amount and applying said wave to a comparator, feeding a rst mixer with said stable Wave and said second wave whereby a beat frequency Wave is produced generating an adjustable wave and indicating the frequency of said adjustable wave, combining said adjustable wave with said beat frequency wave and applying the resultant Wave to said comparator, adjusting said adjustable Wave until said resultant wave equals in frequency said second wave as indicated by said comparator, and indicating the frequency of said adjustable wave.

RENAUD KOECHLIN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

